Captain Cook Monument
1.9 mi
Distance
1 hrs 0 min
Time
terrain
1,283 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a easy one way trail to Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
Ease of hike back to trailhead is very temperature and breeze dependent.
Getting Started
Trailhead parking is very limited.
Best to wearing footwear more substantial than flip-flops!
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
I'm a Kona resident who regularly does this Great hike - I'm a fit hiker, and would call this a moderate hike. Going in, early in the day, downhill to the monument is an easy walk to the beach. The hike back up is a hotter, sustained climb of 1700'. It can feel like a long mile and a half.Do not underestimate this hike. You will need water and good shoes. People get in trouble regularly on this trail. But the water at the bottom is worth it.
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This is not an easy hike. The distance shown here is only one way. Total distance for the out and back is 3.5-4 mi with 1700’ of elevation change each way. Going down is the easy part, getting back out can be brutal and people regularly have to be rescued on this trail. Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and be ready for a hot hike in fully exposed sun. Please update the difficulty rating of this trail, people regularly overestimate their ability to handle this trail. This is a moderate difficulty hike, harder on a hot sunny day.
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Well travelled and easy to follow trail, very beautiful. HOWEVER, I would not consider this an “Easy” hike. It is not 17 ft, it is 1700 ft elevation change from the parking area to the beach. Check the topo layers and you will see. Be prepared and bring plenty of water. Snorkeling is well worth the effort.
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Public Tracks
